The Person of Jesus Christ By Pastor Dan Kennedy © January 22, 2017 www.pastorkennedy.com We, who are believers in Jesus Christ, have chosen to believe and to live our lives as those who acknowledge: God as our Creator;  Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord;  The Holy Spirit as He who transforms and empowers us;  The Bible as our Life’s Guidebook;  And Eternal Life with God, as our Hope and ultimate Goal.  Creation is part of the Person of Jesus Christ John 1:1–4 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. Hebrews 1:1–3 1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Forbes magazine had a recent article entitled, “Can Science Prove The Existence Of God?”[1] Ethan Siegel, an astrophysicist, and contributing author to the magazine, openly does not claim to be a man of faith and asserts that, “Science can never prove or disprove the existence of God”…but has “tremendous respect” for those who have faith, stated that those who have faith often use the following argument for the existence of God: · “We live in a particularly privileged place. We live on a planet that has all the right ingredients for life, including: · We’re at the right distance from our Sun so that temperatures are conducive to life. · We have the right atmospheric pressure for liquid water at our surface. · We have the right ingredients — the right balance of heavy elements and organic molecules — for life to arise. · We have the right amount of water so that our world has both oceans and continents. · And life started on our world very early, sustained itself for our planet’s entire history, and gave rise to us: sentient, self-aware creatures.”[2] Siegel asserts that he believes alternate theories and habitable planets may be plausible and be problematic for people of faith, but admits that for agnostics – “First, we need to make life from non-life…the problem of abiogenesis.” Scientists have found ways to manipulate cellular life from living cells, but cannot create spontaneous life. “Even one-in-a-million seems like it might be too optimistic for the odds of human-like animals evolving on an Earth-like world with the right ingredients for life; I could easily imagine that it would take a billion Earths (or more) to get something like human beings out just once.”[3] But, we – the earth and all of life here – are without observable genetic mutation across the impermeable barriers of “like-kind” specie regeneration. (There is no regeneration of specie life outside of birth – necessitating more than one anomalous evolving life cell, but instead, normally requiring two…fully formed male and female species, often involving trillions of interconnected and diverse life-giving cells within each of his and her body's; unique for each of the millions of species on earth.) God’s Word tells us plainly that the profoundness of all of creation is God’s clear Voice to all humanity - without a need for translation, declaring that He is Here and He is not Silent. Romans 1:18–20 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. ~~~ The Promised Messiah is part of the Revelation of the Person of Jesus Christ Beyond the clear evidence of Intelligent Design; we, who have Christian faith, also believe in His revelation of God the Son, sent for the redemption of fallen mankind. We believe in redemption and salvation offered to a fallen race of people in a corrupt and dying world, for the establishing of a People of God, a Bride of Christ, who will be with Him, as His own, in a place He has prepared for them, for Eternity (John 14:1-6). Today we are exploring the reality of who the Bible says Jesus Christ is. We often primarily observe the Person of Jesus Christ from the New Testament perspective. We see the humanity of Jesus…the lowliness of His birth, and the miraculous, but “sub-common” life of Jesus, who “did not have a place to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20) during the days of His ministry. Jesus’ life was brutalized in His final earthly days by savage beatings and a sordid crucifixion. Remembering Christ’s supreme Sacrifice for us in Communion regularly and properly reminds us of His Suffering. Sometimes, from our human perspective, we lose comprehension of Christ’s Kingly Reign ruling from the heavens, one day to rule all things from the earthly New Jerusalem. The Prophesied Messianic Savior is part of the Person of Jesus Christ The Jewish Nation has waited for millennia for their King to come, to reign and to overthrow any oppressive government(s) which have oppressed them. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:3–11 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” With how much anticipation did the Old Testament Jews expect their Messiah to come, to subdue their enemies and to establish His Kingdom on the earth? Great anticipation!  What would be signs, for one familiar with the Old Testament, that the His Coming Kingdom was indeed Imminent?  Acts 1:4&5 are interesting verses which precede the disciples question regarding Jesus’ restoring the Kingdom to Israel. In what way do these verses relate to the establishment of the Messiah’s Coming Kingdom, for one familiar with the Old Testament?  What is the first phrase of verse 6 and how does it relate to the previous verses and the disciples next question regarding Jesus’ restoration of God’s Kingdom?  “1:6. The disciples’ question, Lord are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? is most illuminating. The sentence is introduced by the connective so (men oun), which associates the thought of verse 6 with verse 5. In the disciples’ minds the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the coming of the promised kingdom were closely associated. And well they should be, because the Old Testament frequently joined the two. When Christ told the disciples of the soon-coming Spirit baptism, they immediately concluded that the restoration of Israel’s kingdom was near in time.”[4] In Acts 2:5–12, what was amazing to the folks gathering there at Pentecost – confirming the event as Supernatural to everyone in Jerusalem? Acts 2:5–12 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” What amazed and perplexed the people who spoke other languages in Jerusalem at the time, was that fishermen and local “uneducated” tradesmen were fluently declaring the wonders of God in the native languages of all those multi-lingual travelers to Jerusalem for the festival. This revealed that a supernatural event was happening before their very eyes. It was supernatural for more than one reason. The Pouring out of the Holy Spirit is a Critical Sign of the Revelation of the Messiah, in the Person of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:14-24, how did Peter use the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to re-affirm Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah? Acts 2:14–24 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (taken from Joel 2:28–32) 17 “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him…. Acts 2:31–33 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. From this passage in Acts 2, what would be a supernatural sign from Joel 2:28-3:1 that the revelation of the Messiah was indeed Imminent?  o “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (v. 17-18) Fulfilled by Jesus, the Messiah Mark 1:8 – Foretold by John the Baptist 8 I (John) baptize you with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Galatians 3:14 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. What signs in Acts 2, prophesied by Joel, may not have been fulfilled at Pentecost, but which would be reserved and fulfilled for a sign of the future Coming of the Messiah in Power and Glory?  o “Wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below o blood and fire and billows of smoke; o the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood.” (Acts 2:19-20) Prophetic Distinctions in the Same Passages Sometime the prophetic message is divided in order to predict more than one unique prophetic event. A. An initial fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, at a prior time… B. A complete fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, at a later time. Illustrated by the 1st and 2nd Coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ A. The First Coming of Christ was “Sacrificial” and “Redemptive” (Isaiah 53, etc.) B. The second (yet to be) Kingly Coming of Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:11-16, etc.). Acts 2:14-21 A. The pouring out of God’s Spirit at Pentecost validating the first coming of Jesus Coming as our Messianic Savior and Redeemer. B. The future and complete restoration of the Kingdom revealed by another pouring out of God’s Spirit to be revealed at Christ’s Second Coming. Luke 4:16-21 A. The initial fulfillment of the prophecy read by Jesus about Himself in the Synagogue…“Today, the Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” (v. 21); Luke 4:16-21 compared with… B. The full prophecy in Isaiah 61, especially the final connecting phrase following the passage [Is. 61:2b] at which Jesus stopped and did not read, before sitting down from reading…“and the day of vengeance of our God.”) Luke 4:16–21 A. Earlier fulfillment at Christ’s First Coming 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Jesus stopped right here...and did not read the “day of vengeance” phrase.) 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Isaiah 61:1–4 (Italicized not included by Jesus) B. Complete fulfillment at Christ’s Second Coming 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (B. To be fulfilled:) and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Why then, Did God Send His Holy Spirit at Pentecost? 1. The Sign Fulfilled: So that the Supernatural Sign of the Messiah, promised in the Old Testament, would be fulfilled by the Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah would be confirmed following Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 2:17-18). Acts 1:5-6 …“In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 2. The Transformation Enabled: So those who believe in Jesus Christ could be transformed into God’s Children. John 3:5–7 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 3. The Empowerment for the Disbursement of the Gospel Message: So that His Disciples would be empowered to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Let’s go back to the sign of how God’s people would know from the old testament, that the Promised Messiah was coming and His Kingdom would be established for His Chosen Ones: The Pouring out of His Holy Spirit! The Prophesied Coming Kingdom of God is part of the Person of Jesus Christ ■ Jesus Christ will Come in Power and Great Glory Revelation 19:11–21 Jesus Christ’s Second Coming in Power and Great Glory 11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.” 19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. Jesus Christ will One Day Be King of kings! There will come a day when Jesus Christ will be visible King of kings and Lord of lords. There will also come a day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when the Nation of Israel will have the Holy Spirit poured out on them in a special way. Zechariah 12:1–9 Jerusalem’s Enemies to Be Destroyed An Oracle 12 This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: 2 “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves…. 8 On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the Lord going before them. 9 On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. Mourning for the One They Pierced 10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son…. Zechariah 13:1 Cleansing From Sin 13 “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. Other Old Testament passages regarding the Sign of the Pouring out of the Holy Spirit and the Restoration of the Messianic Kingdom Isaiah 44:3–5 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. 5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel. Ezekiel 39:28–29 28 Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Isaiah 32:1; 15-18 The Kingdom of Righteousness 32 1 See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. … 15 till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. 16 Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field. 17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Conclusion What are the signs, for one familiar with the Old Testament, that the Messiah and His Coming Kingdom is indeed on the near horizon? o Signs in the heavens o Defeating of God’s enemies o The Pouring out of God’s Spirit, together with o The Return of Jesus Christ, The Messianic King! [1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/01/20/can-science-prove-the-existence-of-god/#4ec121be1371 [2] Ibid. [3] Ibid. [4] Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 354). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

The Person of Jesus Christ

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

We, who are believers in Jesus Christ, have chosen to believe and to live our lives as those who acknowledge:

1.God as our Creator;
2.Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord;
3.The Holy Spirit as He who transforms and empowers us;
4.The Bible as our Life’s Guidebook;
5.And Eternal Life with God, as our Hope and ultimate Goal.

Creation is part of the Person of Jesus Christ

John 1:1–4

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Hebrews 1:1–3

1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Forbes magazine had a recent article entitled, “Can Science Prove The Existence Of God?”[1]

Ethan Siegel, an astrophysicist, and contributing author to the magazine, openly does not claim to be a man of faith and asserts that, “Science can never prove or disprove the existence of God”…but has “tremendous respect” for those who have faith, stated that those who have faith often use the following argument for the existence of God:

· “We live in a particularly privileged place. We live on a planet that has all the right ingredients for life, including:

· We’re at the right distance from our Sun so that temperatures are conducive to life.

· We have the right atmospheric pressure for liquid water at our surface.

· We have the right ingredients — the right balance of heavy elements and organic molecules — for life to arise.

· We have the right amount of water so that our world has both oceans and continents.

· And life started on our world very early, sustained itself for our planet’s entire history, and gave rise to us: sentient, self-aware creatures.”[2]

Siegel asserts that he believes alternate theories and habitable planets may be plausible and be problematic for people of faith, but admits that for agnostics – “First, we need to make life from non-life…the problem of abiogenesis.” Scientists have found ways to manipulate cellular life from living cells, but cannot create spontaneous life.

“Even one-in-a-million seems like it might be too optimistic for the odds of human-like animals evolving on an Earth-like world with the right ingredients for life; I could easily imagine that it would take a billion Earths (or more) to get something like human beings out just once.”[3]

But, we – the earth and all of life here – are without observable genetic mutation across the impermeable barriers of “like-kind” specie regeneration. (There is no regeneration of specie life outside of birth – necessitating more than one anomalous evolving life cell, but instead, normally requiring two…fully formed male and female species, often involving trillions of interconnected and diverse life-giving cells within each of his and her body's; unique for each of the millions of species on earth.)

God’s Word tells us plainly that the profoundness of all of creation is God’s clear Voice to all humanity - without a need for translation, declaring that He is Here and He is not Silent.

Romans 1:18–20

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

~~~

The Promised Messiah is part of the Revelation of the Person of Jesus Christ

Beyond the clear evidence of Intelligent Design; we, who have Christian faith, also believe in His revelation of God the Son, sent for the redemption of fallen mankind. We believe in redemption and salvation offered to a fallen race of people in a corrupt and dying world, for the establishing of a People of God, a Bride of Christ, who will be with Him, as His own, in a place He has prepared for them, for Eternity (John 14:1-6).

Today we are exploring the reality of who the Bible says Jesus Christ is.

We often primarily observe the Person of Jesus Christ from the New Testament perspective. We see the humanity of Jesus…the lowliness of His birth, and the miraculous, but “sub-common” life of Jesus, who “did not have a place to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20) during the days of His ministry. Jesus’ life was brutalized in His final earthly days by savage beatings and a sordid crucifixion. Remembering Christ’s supreme Sacrifice for us in Communion regularly and properly reminds us of His Suffering. Sometimes, from our human perspective, we lose comprehension of Christ’s Kingly Reign ruling from the heavens, one day to rule all things from the earthly New Jerusalem.

The Prophesied Messianic Savior is part of the Person of Jesus Christ

The Jewish Nation has waited for millennia for their King to come, to reign and to overthrow any oppressive government(s) which have oppressed them.

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Acts 1:3–11

3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

•With how much anticipation did the Old Testament Jews expect their Messiah to come, to subdue their enemies and to establish His Kingdom on the earth? Great anticipation!

•What would be signs, for one familiar with the Old Testament, that the His Coming Kingdom was indeed Imminent?

•Acts 1:4&5 are interesting verses which precede the disciples question regarding Jesus’ restoring the Kingdom to Israel. In what way do these verses relate to the establishment of the Messiah’s Coming Kingdom, for one familiar with the Old Testament?

•What is the first phrase of verse 6 and how does it relate to the previous verses and the disciples next question regarding Jesus’ restoration of God’s Kingdom?

“1:6. The disciples’ question, Lord are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? is most illuminating.

The sentence is introduced by the connective so (men oun), which associates the thought of verse 6 with verse 5. In the disciples’ minds the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the coming of the promised kingdom were closely associated. And well they should be, because the Old Testament frequently joined the two. When Christ told the disciples of the soon-coming Spirit baptism, they immediately concluded that the restoration of Israel’s kingdom was near in time.”[4]

In Acts 2:5–12, what was amazing to the folks gathering there at Pentecost – confirming the event as Supernatural to everyone in Jerusalem?

Acts 2:5–12

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

What amazed and perplexed the people who spoke other languages in Jerusalem at the time, was that fishermen and local “uneducated” tradesmen were fluently declaring the wonders of God in the native languages of all those multi-lingual travelers to Jerusalem for the festival. This revealed that a supernatural event was happening before their very eyes. It was supernatural for more than one reason.

The Pouring out of the Holy Spirit is a Critical Sign of the Revelation of the Messiah, in the Person of Jesus Christ.

In Acts 2:14-24, how did Peter use the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to re-affirm Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah?

Acts 2:14–24

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

(taken from Joel 2:28–32)

17 “ ‘In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women,

I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood

before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls

on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him….

Acts 2:31–33

31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

•From this passage in Acts 2, what would be a supernatural sign from Joel 2:28-3:1 that the revelation of the Messiah was indeed Imminent?

o “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (v. 17-18)

Fulfilled by Jesus, the Messiah

Mark 1:8 – Foretold by John the Baptist

8 I (John) baptize you with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Galatians 3:14

14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

•What signs in Acts 2, prophesied by Joel, may not have been fulfilled at Pentecost, but which would be reserved and fulfilled for a sign of the future Coming of the Messiah in Power and Glory?

o “Wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below

o blood and fire and billows of smoke;

o the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood.” (Acts 2:19-20)

Prophetic Distinctions in the Same Passages

Sometime the prophetic message is divided in order to predict more than one unique prophetic event.

A. An initial fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, at a prior time…

B. A complete fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, at a later time.

Illustrated by the 1st and 2nd Coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ

A. The First Coming of Christ was “Sacrificial” and “Redemptive” (Isaiah 53, etc.)

B. The second (yet to be) Kingly Coming of Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:11-16, etc.).

Acts 2:14-21

A. The pouring out of God’s Spirit at Pentecost validating the first coming of Jesus Coming as our Messianic Savior and Redeemer.

B. The future and complete restoration of the Kingdom revealed by another pouring out of God’s Spirit to be revealed at Christ’s Second Coming.

Luke 4:16-21

A. The initial fulfillment of the prophecy read by Jesus about Himself in the Synagogue…“Today, the Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” (v. 21); Luke 4:16-21 compared with…

B. The full prophecy in Isaiah 61, especially the final connecting phrase following the passage [Is. 61:2b] at which Jesus stopped and did not read, before sitting down from reading…“and the day of vengeance of our God.”)

Luke 4:16–21

A. Earlier fulfillment at Christ’s First Coming

16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed,

19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Jesus stopped right here...and did not read the “day of vengeance” phrase.)

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Isaiah 61:1–4 (Italicized not included by Jesus)

B. Complete fulfillment at Christ’s Second Coming

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

(B. To be fulfilled:)

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations.

Why then, Did God Send His Holy Spirit at Pentecost?

1. The Sign Fulfilled: So that the Supernatural Sign of the Messiah, promised in the Old Testament, would be fulfilled by the Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah would be confirmed following Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 2:17-18).

Acts 1:5-6

…“In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

2. The Transformation Enabled: So those who believe in Jesus Christ could be transformed into God’s Children.

John 3:5–7

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

3. The Empowerment for the Disbursement of the Gospel Message: So that His Disciples would be empowered to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world.

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Let’s go back to the sign of how God’s people would know from the old testament, that the Promised Messiah was coming and His Kingdom would be established for His Chosen Ones:

The Pouring out of His Holy Spirit!

The Prophesied Coming Kingdom of God is part of the Person of Jesus Christ

■ Jesus Christ will Come in Power and Great Glory

Revelation 19:11–21

Jesus Christ’s Second Coming in Power and Great Glory

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

King of kings and Lord of lords.

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.”

19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Jesus Christ will One Day Be King of kings!

There will come a day when Jesus Christ will be visible King of kings and Lord of lords.

There will also come a day, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when the Nation of Israel will have the Holy Spirit poured out on them in a special way.

Zechariah 12:1–9

Jerusalem’s Enemies to Be Destroyed

An Oracle

12 This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: 2 “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves….

8 On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the Lord going before them. 9 On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.

Mourning for the One They Pierced

10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son….

Zechariah 13:1

Cleansing From Sin

13 “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Other Old Testament passages regarding the Sign of the Pouring out of the Holy Spirit and the Restoration of the Messianic Kingdom

Isaiah 44:3–5

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendants.

4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams.

5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;

another will call himself by the name of Jacob;

still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’

and will take the name Israel.

Ezekiel 39:28–29

28 Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

Isaiah 32:1; 15-18

The Kingdom of Righteousness

32 1 See, a king will reign in righteousness

and rulers will rule with justice. …

15 till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,

and the desert becomes a fertile field,

and the fertile field seems like a forest.

16 Justice will dwell in the desert

and righteousness live in the fertile field.

17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace;

the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,

in secure homes,

in undisturbed places of rest.

Conclusion

What are the signs, for one familiar with the Old Testament, that the Messiah and His Coming Kingdom is indeed on the near horizon?

o Signs in the heavens

o Defeating of God’s enemies

o The Pouring out of God’s Spirit, together with

o The Return of Jesus Christ, The Messianic King!

[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/01/20/can-science-prove-the-existence-of-god/#4ec121be1371

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 354). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.